​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published May 2023 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​With the entire world and everything in it, our oyster, how does an artist narrow down the choices to tell a story about just one thing in a painting? While it is true, there can be any number of items in a painting, there should only be one main focus. Everything else in the painting must take on a supportive or subordinate role. Tricky thing!

Through inspiration and personal interest, I settle down to explore how I might portray a specific subject. It starts with the question: “What do I want to say?” Once I have decided on the subject, the question: “How will I do this?” comes into play. Thumbnail sketches are helpful here. Then, colour choices, and many other decisions. Next, I block in the large shapes with paint and begin a process of refinement which leads to the painting coming to life.  

While painting, I naturally meander over to the right side or ‘creative’ side of my brain. I can enjoyably and absent-mindedly get carried away putting in detail in areas of the painting that go way past a supportive role status. This can derail the intention and focus of a painting and take up a lot of extra time. When I unconsciously slip back into the ‘logical’ side of my brain, or the left side, I immediately see what I’ve done. I’ve drifted off into that neverland of line, colour, shape, and value, which is a meditative state for me, and realize I’ve not given my subject its due. “What was I thinking?”  Well, about other things, I guess.

Back on track, there is some undoing and movement forward, until a clear visual statement appears on the canvas. Paint what inspires you, what you know and love, and you will always do well. Happy Painting!

​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published April 2023 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​“All paintings are about light” I’ve heard. Describing your subject in terms of light can be daunting for any artist. So, what does this mean for a painter, exactly? It all starts with a good understanding of the characteristics of light: such as value, colour, shadows, reflected light, outdoor, and indoor light. Knowing what to observe is the trick! For that, there are many reference books, videos, and courses one could use. Simply directly observing and analyzing the effects that light has on a variety of subjects works too.

That sounds easy, right? Let’s briefly look at one of the most important aspects – value. Value is the lightness or darkness of a colour. Value is also considered an important element of composition. Getting the value of a colour ‘right’ using a value scale – a graded scale of grays from black to white – is not as easy as it might seem. When comparing value with colour, we are often fooled by the inherent nature of colour as it dazzles our eyes. As with everything, a lot of practice discerning values helps. The tonal distribution of light and dark can also make or break a painting. It can turn a flat two-dimensional painting into a three-dimensional vision filled with shape, depth, space, and atmosphere. It is the contrast between light, medium, and dark values that creates the illusion of light on a subject and hence the ‘reality’ or ‘flatness’ of a subject.

The best way to see value is to temporarily ignore the myriad of visual information – colours, shapes, and textures, and concentrate only on the light and dark. It is helpful to ‘squint’ one’s eyes, which has the effect of blurring the details. Painting requires unending problem solving, astute observation, and lots of practice. When you find joy in painting, problems become challenges and challenges become fun! Happy Painting! 

​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published March 2023 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​​Pacific trilliums are coming up and their gorgeous white blooms punctuate the deep greens of the local native forests and parks! These beautiful three petalled, flowers stand tall and are abundant in western North America in early spring. In keeping with this year’s painting plan, I am indulging my long-standing love affair with flowers, by painting many of our local wildflowers as they emerge from winter hibernation under the soil. March heralds the arrival of this beauty, a spring showstopper that is truly not to be missed!

Trillium flowers begin a brilliant white colour and become pink to mauve as they mature. This plant’s striking anatomy includes three large leaves - looking like a tri-leaf with a flower in the center, with three slender green sepals and three large white petals with a warm yellow center. Trillium means “three-parted lily.” It is said to symbolize purity, beauty, and recovery. Each of the three flower petals can often be from one-half inch to almost three inches in length. So, a large flower can grow up to eight inches in diameter. Elegant and fragile, it is best to refrain from picking the flowers, as picking them will cause the entire plant to die.

Painting white flowers realistically and making them look authentic, is an artistic challenge. Anyone who has painted the walls in their home “off-white” will know there are an unending variety of shades of white. Careful observation of shapes, shadows and study of the effects of light at different times of the day is necessary. As warm colours appear to move forward and cool colours appear to recede, understanding of plant anatomy is also important. This knowledge and experience gives an artist clues as to which white colour goes where when creating a potential masterpiece. Happy Painting!

​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published February 2023 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​I love spring! The new season starts slowly with snowdrops peeking through wet soil and demure hellebores bowing their beautiful heads. Quickly after, a riot of bright colours burst forth: daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, and many stunning others. The skies are soon filled too, with the glorious scents of trees in blossom!

Hearts quicken, colours sing and fragrance is all around as gardens everywhere wake up with joy! Last month, I began a series of flower paintings. I never tire of painting the amazing variety of shapes, colours and textures of flowers. It is so much fun to start using all my pure paint colours again. Spring gets me revved up to switch gears from painting peaceful, winter greys, stormy seas, and foggy landscapes, to experimenting with my vibrant, high-energy spring palette. Spring colours are always stimulating and visually exciting!

I have big plans for 2023. One project is to illustrate each new wildflowers I see and research its origin. I will select some of my favourites to paint. This floral series will form an enhanced visual story about the beauty of our local, natural environment. I hope it will be of interest to my viewers! Happy Painting!

Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published January 2023 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023! Each New Year presents a variety of opportunities for creativity! Imagination is the only limit! This year, I have decided to mix things up a little and work on completing a variety of paintings that will form several different painting series, or groups of extended stories, about each subject.

Often there is much more that can be said about a particular subject than what is possible to express in one painting. While one painting can and should effectively tell a story, a series of paintings may be able to demonstrate a book of related stories, so to speak. It is possible to tell a more intimate and comprehensive story with different facets. One way to make a more complex statement or tell more stories about a subject, is to do a series of similar paintings that share a theme. This potentially would have the power to give the viewer more to see and more to think about on a certain topic

The first thing to do is to ask myself what I would like to say about my subject: define the theme, in other words. The next step is to clearly develop this theme, either in my mind or on paper, which would make it easier to stay focused and ensure a coherent message. It is a similar process to breaking a written story down into chapters. Each chapter would be represented by a different painting. With some luck and skill, this group of paintings, or series of paintings, will then complete an enhanced visual story that would captivate viewers. Think big and work hard but have some fun too! That’s my mantra for this year - after all it is called ARTWORK! 

Happy Painting!

Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published December 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​​The cozy blanket of winter is fully upon us. December is a magical time of year! While many folks still enjoy warm weather in their part of the world, we, in northern climates, are preparing for seasonal indoor activities and healthy, hearty, outdoor activities. Festive lights and sparkly decorations are being hung, and the shops are abuzz with people and packages. This is a great time to enjoy creativity of all sorts and to revel in the fine work of other artists.
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This year, as travels have taken me, I am delighted to have purchased the work of some of these artists. I am humbled by their skills and techniques, their way of interpreting the world around them, and the lifestyles that their creativity has allowed them. The stories they tell through their work are engaging and interesting. A chance to speak directly with an artist about their work is a unique privilege into their ‘way of seeing’. And as an artist, the opportunity to share my work with others renews my excitement and passion for what I do, and for the direction that creativity leads me. Nothing is more reassuring than to know that other people are fascinated by the journey of art and want to come along too.

Soon the excitement of December snowfalls will melt into 2023, and the continuous expression of our lives will change a little at a time, marked by special occasions and new adventures. Let’s bask in the friendship and comradery that brings us together to share our love of all things artistic, the beauty that surrounds us, and the warmth and support of others.

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays to All! And a very Happy and Healthy New Year – 2023!

​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published November 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​​It’s already November and my thoughts are on preparing for fun-filled celebrations during the upcoming winter season. It’s great to travel and see different landscapes to paint, especially while the weather is favorable for painting outdoors. Among other things, I like to make seasonal cards that are brightly coloured and either humorous, inspiring or both! This year is no exception. The trick is to come up with a few fitting designs.

We don’t get much snow or cold weather in the Pacific Northwest, but the little that we do get puts my imagination to work visualizing inviting and lovely snow scenes from my childhood. Of course, this scenery is more idealized in my mind than it probably was at the time. Snow reminds me of all the festivities we enjoyed in wintertime, such as warming ourselves next to a bonfire after sledding, and drinking hot chocolate while gripping our cups for additional heat through our mittens. 

We loved ice skating on local frozen ponds in bright sunshine, watching our breath freeze in the cold air as it ascended, waking up to the sparkle of crisp, and white snowflakes gently falling from the heavens. A special treat was seeing fresh animal and bird tracks crossing the garden path out to open white fields, and the amazingly beautiful frost patterns that decorated the inside of our draughty glass windows.

The feelings and visions each person gathers and stores over a lifetime have a story of their own and are always ready to be shared creatively and joyfully with others. Anyone of these memories and many others could be painted with a sense of time and place. It’s now time to get started with paint brush in hand!

Happy Painting!

​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published October 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​About a month ago, I made a small change to my daily routine. I decided to begin each day doing something creative and fun before I attended to ‘the usual’ task list. What a difference this modification has made! Each day now begins with a bit of creativity and my spirit is happy.

Although excellent at any time, I am finding these new Art Adventures are best begun bright and early every morning. The sky was hazy today and reflected its dull grey colours on the sandy beach in front of me. The sun was hiding somewhere in the mist, and the morning was in slumber. I scanned the beach, and a few crows caught my eye. The dynamics of the crows as they walked and squawked to each other, intrigued me. Something important was obviously being discussed and there definitely was a ringleader. They paid no particular attention to me and appeared completely absorbed in their banter. The more I watched them, the more distinctive and though provoking their behaviours became. What were they talking about?

​My mind scrambled to find a way to represent these winged souls on my canvas. They were absorbed by their own existence in the world and communicating with each other in a verbal language that was entirely foreign to me. But there were clues – albeit from a human perspective – body language, vocal tone, cadence, and emphasis, as well as directional movement – walking and hopping, not flying, across the sand. I observed: their familiarity with each other, confidence, leadership, attentive listeners, vocal interaction, co-operation, and movement as a group, in one direction towards the shore. Whatever they were discussing remains a mystery. But I caught a moment in time – a refreshing glimpse of an entirely different society, beginning its day, in a similar way to my own. Happy Painting!

​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published September 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​It’s time to re-schedule! Each morning, as I think about my agenda for the day, I review my ‘to do’ list. I must admit that it is just way too long! I want to squeeze in a couple of hours for outdoor sketching and painting time each day, while the warm Fall weather holds up. Setting new priorities might sound easy, but old habits die hard, as they say. Even though I set my own agenda, I always do everything else before I do the things I most enjoy. Often, I find that my day is over before I have a chance to do the things I really want to do, and so they get put off for another time, again.

Today is the day I’m setting new priorities. I am beginning a new habit that includes a bit of fun at the beginning of each day, rather than at the end. It will bring an early positive energy infusion to my day, and who can argue with that?

This morning, I was up and ready to go out early. The anticipation of having fun sketching at the beach was great incentive. I packed up my sketching tools and watercolour supplies the night before and I had a quick breakfast, taking my tea with me. The sun was shining, and the views were awesome. Sparkling water and fresh warm colours awaited me. I found a shady spot under some big trees and sat on a big dry log – note to self, bring a cushion next time… and I happily immersed myself in creativity, feeling at one with nature.
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​It is sometimes hard to comprehend how small changes can make a big difference in our lives. It took a while for me to recognize that I needed to restructure my day, and that it was up to me to do it!

Happy Painting!

​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published August 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​I love summer days filled with sunshine and blue skies and spending time in the garden hearing the charming sound of bird songs overhead. This year we have had two sets of sparrows subsequently take-up residence in our little yellow birdhouse! My goodness, it is amazing to watch these avian parents work so hard to raise their young: back and forth, catching bugs in the garden. Ever careful, they keep a close eye out for danger, especially as they approach their nest. They land a few feet away from it, have another look around, then dash in to be greeted by very loud chirping! Summer is also a wonderful time to be outdoors painting, taking a fresh look at the landscape and absorbing the abundant inspiration.

​Long days of warm light stimulate our senses and transform us through a sense of hope and optimism. Each season brings its own unique nuances, but the long summer days provide time to slow down and see the world through an artist’s eye. Outdoor or plein air painting time is valuable and what I call ‘intentional’ painting time. Preparations must be made before you begin, which include choosing and travelling to a suitable location and organizing, streamlining, and packing up painting gear, as well as various other items like a chair/easel/snack/sun umbrella, etc. It is important to allow enough time to have a successful painting session. This will increase satisfaction with the experience, even if you plan to finish the painting another time.

With renewed positivity, we hit our painting stride. Nature’s shapes, colours and textures are seen anew, and the record is delightfully captured on canvas! Every day spent outside painting under blue skies with the sun shining and the birds singing, is a gift. Happy Painting!

​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published July 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

A few days away from the usual hustle and bustle of daily life, especially immersed in nature, can work miracles. Our departures are often delayed by too many ‘last minute tasks.’ So, the ‘urgency of everything’ that held my mind captive, was hard to shake. It took a couple of days to clear, but thankfully, now I am ready to relax. Vacation days are ‘no list’ days; taking a vacation means ‘to take a break’… oh, this is going to be a challenge! What would I do if I did not have a list, did not make a plan, and did not have daily goals? 

Well, let’s see, daydreaming would be first. My best way into the realm of daydreams is to meditate – quiet, conscious, transfers of breath, letting only positive thoughts flow in, and letting everything else flow out. Hiking is my second ‘go to’ activity. It’s now time to brush away the mental cobwebs, circulate some oxygen, and become one with the outside environment again. The health benefits of fresh air, improved blood flow, and a renewed sense of well-being can’t be understated.

Meditation and exercise have catapulted me through many of Art Adventures life’s trials. They have helped put the word ‘positive’ in front of attitude and perspective, setting me up for inspired creativity and improved stamina. For me, this is also an effective pathway to mindful living and sincere gratitude. 
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A real, physical and emotional connection with living, breathing organisms, plants, wildlife, scenery, the sky and beyond, is critical to grounding us in this life we lead, as human beings. I just realized that I did in fact have a list, a plan, and some goals for my vacation: 1. take a break, 2. heal my body and soul, and 3. get creative! I feel a painting coming on…
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​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published June 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​What interesting, exciting creatures are to be found in our own back yards! Recently, I photographed what I thought was a wild bee on the luscious, flowering, blackberry brambles that cascade over the fence into our yard. These brambles are a busy place for pollinators of all sorts, but I never expected to see anything but a variety of bees.
 
When we think of pollinators, we usually think of what we have come to know as a “typical” bee. These honeybees and bumblebees are often seen in lots of nature paintings these days. I decided to paint a more unusual type of bee, one that looked a little different. One that would stimulate interest and awareness but would also demonstrate the wider range of valued pollinators. So, I set aside some time to take photographs in my garden. Well, I wasn’t expecting this …
 
Back in my studio, while carefully rendering my wild ‘bee’ in oil paint, I decided to consult google images. I needed to understand how my unusual looking ‘bee’ was constructed from different angles. Oh wow! To my surprise, it was a hoverfly!

It is one of over 6000 species of hoverflies, to be exact! Among other differences, hoverflies have two wings instead of four, have no stinger, and their eyes are on the sides of their heads like other flies. Some hoverflies take on the look of more ‘scary’ insects to protect themselves, as my hoverfly displayed yellow and black stripes like a bee or wasp. Hoverflies are the second-best pollinators, next to bees. They are called a “farmer’s best friend.” Their young eat aphids exclusively, and the adults are pollinators. That means that hoverflies are an all-around great bug to have in your garden! Who knew? Happy discoveries through painting!

Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published May 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​While scoping out nearby hiking trails for locations to paint outdoors, we came upon a narrow pathway. Taking this path led us over many large, exposed tree roots and up a steep climb on an eroded, slippery slope in a deeply forested area. Continuing on the trail, we made our way through thick trees with dense undergrowth and crossed several small streams. A weathered boardwalk encouraged us further along the trail onto an old wooden foot bridge that opened to an enchanting view across a small, round lake. Of course, there were little birds chirping and the sharp sounds of tap, tap, tap, signaled a woodpecker was close by. The streaming sun light sparkled on the water and the scene was picture perfect!

It is a joy to immerse oneself in the knowledge of one’s subject by walking in nature and feeling the positive energy of life all around us. It is an opportunity to observe all things intentionally and mindfully. The benefits of artistic creativity are said to be abundant, covering all aspects of mental, physical and spiritual health. Absorbing the stillness and beauty of the scenery for me, is essential preparation, like unconscious meditation on a beloved subject. Time spent painting directly surrounded by nature, then becomes a quiet and serene activity that fills one’s senses. I am fully absorbed in each moment as it comes along. This practice is a much-needed refrain from life’s usual busy-ness of mind and body. It is a time to concentrate and to really ‘see’ what I am looking at. It is a time to daydream and experience peace.

So many people are now exploring and engaging in creativity of every kind; many are practicing plein air painting as recreation. It is a gift from the universe to discover and enjoy the many nurturing effects of creativity that can help balance the demands of work and everyday life. 

“What art offers is space, a certain breathing room for the spirit” John Updike said. I couldn’t agree more. Happy travels and happy painting!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published April 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​“Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.” The exuberant forces of spring have arrived and can’t be contained! New growth, new life, new awakenings and new energy abound. Fresh, vibrant green leaves are dancing in the breeze. Brightly coloured flowers are cheerfully waving. Misty, muted scenery has woken up and is glowing. Animals are stirring and excited little birds are building homes for their future young. Potential painting subjects are everywhere when viewed with an Artist’s eye. Spring is an energetic launching pad for learning and discovery!

Motivated to continue improving my drawing skills, I am focused on regular practice today. Recently, I set up an area in my studio to do just that. I organized my drawing books and videos, pencils, pens and paper, in a way that encourages me to actively spend a few minutes, or a few hours at a time in training. My goal is to be able to more quickly ‘see’ the essence of my subject, learn how to interpret what I am looking at and effectively translate this through my hand, via my paintbrush, onto my canvas. Aside from working on this task in the comfortable and controlled environment of my studio, I often set up and practice sketching outdoors in preparation for plein air painting too. The ability to improve any skill includes awareness, interpretation, experience, application, repetition and analysis. Opportunities to learn, present themselves in a variety of ways as we are ready to take them on.

Springtime, when inspiration, change, and new beginnings are all around us, is a great time to take a learning Art Adventure. Plan to do something new, get to know your subject matter better, gain insights and knowledge to improve your skills, and enjoy the results of the educational process along the way. Happy Painting!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published March 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​​Spring bursts onto nature’s stage with energy and impact - a world saturated with possibility and hope. Spring, more than any other season, fills me with excitement and enthusiasm. With the winter chill melting into a dimly lit memory, snowdrops, daffodils and tulips add their joy to the chorus of songbirds, singing of warmth and vibrant days ahead!

It’s time to break out the tubes of red, orange and yellow from their hibernation hiding places in my paintbox and grab my brushes with gusto. I’ve got painting ideas! Multi-coloured tulips have popped up in my garden and new varieties of all sorts have arrived in abundance at the local shops. Stimulation to paint is everywhere! Bright colours and lively shapes are the order of the day!

​“The beginning is the most important part of the work” Plato said. Most creative decisions are made before the painting starts. For example, I have decided to paint tulips. I must ask myself what attracts me to tulips and what would I like to visually say. A good painting tells a story and is key to engaging the viewer. This will determine all subsequent choices. I also need to decide how many tulips, what kind, what colours, how big will they be, do I include leaves, a vase, and what about the background? What medium should I use and what techniques and skills will best represent my idea?

A painting can be a creative journey of discovery about one’s thoughts and ideas. It is a silent story about a subject presented without words, using only the language of vision. The artist’s challenge is to impart thoughts, ideas and a journey for the viewer through the picture.

With the myriad of decisions made, it’s ‘ready, set, go!’ Happy Painting!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published February 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​​2022 is rolling right along… it is February already! It is the month we celebrate all things and people that strike a happy chord in our hearts, especially on St. Valentine’s Day! I’m getting started by painting the subjects near and dear to my heart, and I can hardly wait to show you!

During a recent hike through one of our favourite local forests, the morning sunshine delicately aimed its dazzling rays between the trees creating enchantment and warmth in all that it touched. The sun-struck leaves danced and glittered white, and the pathway ahead was bathed in a mystical invitation to come forward and disappear into the ethereal light. I never tire of seeing this exquisite phenomenon. It seems nature presents something breathtaking every day when we take the time to notice.

It is a trick to capture the illusion of light in a painting, it is sleight-of-hand, or magic! Paint, mere pigment, does not possess the extraordinary qualities of radiance or illumination that light has. Light cannot begin to be realistically copied by mere mortal artists. But through various painting techniques, skill and practice, it is possible to demonstrate the effects of light on a subject. In this way I, as an artist, am able to tell you the story of the captivating beauty I saw on my forest walk. This visual sensation or memory stimulated for the viewer that is displayed in my painting, is my way of sharing my love and joy with others.

Each day, we have the opportunity to bring happiness into the world, if you haven’t already, why not start today! I’m painting something new just for you!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published January 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​Happy New Year!

It’s a clean slate! No need to pour over the past and wonder what happened… it’s a brand-new day of a brand New Year! And anything is possible! Yes, that’s right, anything is possible!

The month of January signals a time to take stock, to make lists and to revise calendars and schedules. It may be time to create a new vision or stay the course on a chosen path. Whatever it is you decide to do, remember to embrace each day as it arrives. I am ever reminded of the quote “No matter what yesterday was like, birds always start the day with a song.”

As I reorganize my art studio after messy renovations, I am putting things back together according to the pull of my heart strings. I am keeping only those items that speak to me and require my special touch and I am getting rid of those - “I don’t know what I was thinking,” ones. In this way, I am freeing my heart and mind to create a-new, unincumbered by the weight of yesterday and refocused on the dreams of my soul. Creativity in its many forms can be a journey of healing and renewal. I seek all things calm and beautiful and immerse my thoughts and activities in the positive energy that emanates from the purity and splendor of nature. From a delicate flower to a spectacular sky, the romance of the sea to the eye of an eagle, I hear a voice of the divine inviting me to see with an artist’s eye, so I may share this wonderment with others.

Gratitude and enthusiasm abound when I follow my heart on this Art Adventure of life.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published December 2021 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​Dare to dream! The close of this year is filled with relief and expectation at the same time. It has been a year of challenges to overcome and anticipation that soon there will be new beginnings that beg for enthusiasm. In the midst of both metaphoric and literal storms, there is always a glimmer of light that streams into our consciousness from one direction or another and we look forward, carrying hope and gratitude in our hearts on our journey into the unknown.

The season of calm and thoughtfulness has descended upon us. It is time for reflection, interpretation and revision, as the world slows down just a bit, to rest. The excitement of Autumn’s red and orange leaves now slumbers below the dim of a grey-scale world of muted blues and greys, fog and rain and winter whites. But this is just a pause in time as we gather strength and prepare ourselves for the many joyous times to come. The repeating circle of life continues to unfold and embrace us all.

As I put paint brush to canvas, I revel in the present moment and paint a joyous sky of the sun ‘Breaking Through’ the storms we have weathered, that promises brighter days ahead. Creativity has the power to transport us to the place where reality and imagination meet, where feelings and expression become one, and labour and joy blend together. I paint because I must. Embrace each moment, for it is all we have! Sincere Season’s Greetings with Warm Thoughts to All!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published November 2021 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​​The glow of red, orange and yellow energizes our pace and quickens our hearts as we are amazed by the opulence and beauty of the falling leaves. From the soft, deep greens of summer to a fiery rich palette, autumn has woken us up and captured our attention once again! Ordinarily, I find it a bit overwhelming to paint with these hot colours, but what artist, or nature lover for that matter, can resist such colour urgency!

​So, why do we sit up and take notice when presented with these hues? The answer lies in the energy of each colour. Light is the only energy we can see, and we see it in the form of colour.  Each colour has its own wavelength and frequency and has the power to stimulate our biochemical systems. Light from the sun enters our eyes and activates our hormones which produce a myriad of nurturing and nutrient effects on our bodies. The colour red excites the physical body with vitality, and courage. Orange arouses our emotions, filling us with optimism and happiness. Yellow kindles our intellect, creating clarity and self-esteem. We feel motivated, gain new purpose and experience restored joy in our lives. These three colours alone can lift our senses and improve our physical, emotional, and mental health. Just in the nick of time of course, as we glide through this dazzling symphony into the seasonal calm of blue-grey days and winter whites. Then nature will take us full circle, back to the fabulous colour parade of spring.

There is nothing static about nature because it is all about change. It’s time to embrace the healing qualities of red, orange and yellow paint on my palette and reap the benefits of nature’s gift of colour energy. Happy Painting!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published October 2021 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

It’s exciting and inspiring to visit a live art show where real artists are present who can speak to their wonderful works of art! I visited such a show this weekend and I was thrilled to see and feel the enthusiasm and creativity that was in the room! Now, of course, masks were required indoors, and health cards and identification were shown at the door for entry, but these were small things to be asked of compared to the opportunity that awaited. It was a wonderful in-person event at an elegant winery, with numerous, awesome, original artworks to savor.

​So many similarly planned events have been cancelled over the past year and a half, and for an artist, this can be disheartening if not disastrous. Art shows have also moved online to a “virtual art show” format. While this may provide a wider global marketing opportunity, it possesses none of the intimate fanfare, personality, or charm that warms your heart to the talent, skill and energy of a true creative person! While most of us enjoy browsing the internet, and many of us do a little shopping there too, patronizing our local artists is a godsend to these small businesses, and provides a community of tax paying citizens right here in our own hometowns.

As I caught up with each artist personally at the venue, we chatted about the plusses and minuses of selling one’s work in person versus on an internet platform, their painting processes and techniques, their journey as an artist and their views about their creative futures. A few words sum up their collective sentiments and they are: “Creativity allows me to express myself, it brings me joy, and it inspires me to share this positive energy with others.” What does your art journey look like?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published September 2021 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​Back inside my studio where the temperature is just right, fresh tea is being served. The controlled climate, and comfort of my working space, are wonderfully conducive to all kinds of creativity. I usually have several paintings on the go all at once.

While working on the details of a spotted owl in acrylic, I patiently wait for a new layer of oil paint to dry on a stormy seascape. Sometimes I will begin a new sketch, working out the composition dynamics on paper or choosing a colour palette that enhances my subject. Moving between activities in this way, keeps my thoughts fresh and my process adaptable. It is vital to stay focused however, as new ideas for paintings arise quickly and it is easy to get distracted by too many projects and too many choices. Almost instinctively, Autumn rhythms return, and a regular and productive pace follows.

The sights, sounds, colours, and experiences in summer’s recent memory, percolate into pleasant visions in my mind and spontaneously arrange themselves in order of their importance. Stunning sun-drenched landscapes, sparkling azure waters, curious little foxes, and gorgeous, brightly coloured flowers, are all dancing with beauty and drama. Some of these inspirations will soon become new works while others will wait their turn a little longer. Fall is also the time when, by force of habit, actions are evaluated, goals are revised, schedules are reorganized, and much work is completed. The changing season brings new dreams that will be set in motion over the coming days and months of fall and winter. The creative cycle renews itself automatically and I find it best to jump in quick and go with the flow!

​​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published August 2021 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​The warm summer weather is pulling us outdoors to paint… visiting a variety of beautiful parks in our local area, each week we enjoy a fresh view in a new location. We spent the day where the Nanaimo River meets the sea. Tidal mud flats and chattering shore birds, small saltwater islands of tall green grasses and willowy reeds swaying, sparkling narrow waterways weaving complicated mazes, and serenity written on a clear blue sky, catch this artist’s eye. Each subject romancing the viewer to have their own portrait painted!

River estuaries are full of life and yet feel very peaceful at the same time. As if under a spell, time and tide stand still as my vision drifts out to sea. My eyes follow glints of light reflecting from narrow passages bathed in fresh water as it becomes one with the salt of ages. I am absorbed in forever. Marshlands are very special places. Oh yes, a decision… What of this myriad of beauty shall I try to embrace on my canvas today? I could focus closely on any of the multitude of equally fascinating subjects at my feet. But the mood of this place draws me into its enchantment. As if hearing a far-away call, I choose the atmosphere of this magical place. The setting, the overall emotion, the old as forever, go with the flow, and as comfortable as a soft fuzzy blanket, impression I get. So, down to business…

With colour, brushes, and easel in tow, I drink in the vista and share what I am feeling on my canvas. The most important thing is to paint what you love. Nature’s beauty is calling… can you hear it?

​​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published July 2021 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​Gratitude comes to mind as I walk along the sunny shore attempting to choose one of nature’s spectacular vignettes to paint today. Close-up or panorama? There is beauty at every turn. We are spoiled for choice, no matter where we are, but it is the scenery near one’s home, that is familiar, and always most cherished. An artist’s eye sees potential in every form: from dancing ripples carried out to a wide blue horizon, patterns of light and shadow cast by swaying trees, to the startling yellow glow of stonecrop succulents in bloom. Inspiration is everywhere.

I am nearly always drawn to paint water, p​erhaps because I was born under the astrological water sign, Pisces. Even if a view does not contain water, I imagine it is there and add a stream, a pond, or some other water feature that fits the natural harmony of the landscape. When visiting the desert, I like to paint dry riverbeds, called washes, and include refreshing traces of cool blue water to soften the perception of harshness. To paint water well, you must study its properties and observe it under a myriad of situations and conditions. Observe water in different locations; in lakes, swamps, marshes, breaking in waves on the seashore, bubbling in a stream, or flowing in a large river. Look closely at raindrops on windows, and curtains of rain falling from the sky. Watch the play of light, the reflections of objects and colours, the type of movement, the effects of weather, the temperature and the seasons.

It is the little nuances that distinguish water and make it appear real on a flat canvas surface. It is vision, knowing one’s subject, and using acquired skills, that makes a successful painter. Gratitude comes from appreciating the small things in life.

​​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published June 2021 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​The month of May greeted us with an assortment of weather: lovely sunshine, lots of rain, and unusually cold winds. Today we enjoyed our first plein air painting event of the season! While the weather was mixed, the threatening rain held off until we had all gone home. What makes a group of artists brave the elements when most of them have comfortable studios? Many reasons to paint outdoors come to mind…

A few of these stand out as excellent opportunities to learn and refine one’s painting skills. Firstly, the opportunity to directly observe the effects of light on a subject is magical. It is the best way I know to translate textbook learning about light, into one’s brush strokes. Cameras provide valuable photo references but can’t complete with the capability of the human eye to interpret the nuances of what one actually sees, especially in relation to colour and value. Secondly, when painting outdoors, the subject matter seems to miraculously expand. There is more to see in a 360 degree world, as endless subject possibilities present themselves. Painting from real life is often unpredictable, stimulating one to focus on new challenges and employ new techniques. Thirdly, painting while social distancing is relatively easy for a small group of artists out in the landscape. Even when painting at the same location, artists are inspired to paint what individually speaks to them. They naturally gravitate physically away from each other. I have yet to see two identical plein air paintings, even when several artists are painting the same scene! The sharing of each artists’ ideas, knowledge, and experiences is enriching, not to mention fun! Why not make the outdoors your painting classroom too! 

Good health to all: be kind, creative, and live your best life each day!

​​​​​​​​​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published May 2021 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag

​​Spring delights us with renewal and the promise of sunny days ahead. The warm weather is motivating and begs us to get moving outside in nature. It’s good for the heart and soul! My garden sings with pastels and bright colours: yellow, orange, pink, mauve, purple and red! I even have an array of soft and vibrant blue shades to choose from – all are my favourites! How could I resist painting these living gems?

My palette varies through the seasons, and for Spring, I’m bringing out all the stars of the show to paint these dazzling flowers. Complementary colours are a must – that is, colours found on the opposite sides of the colour wheel that ‘complement’ each other: like yellow and purple, blue and orange, and green and red. The finer nuances of colour theory may be a little trickier for the novice, but there is a method in my madness! Styles and colour choices also vary with each artist and although accuracy of rendering (drawing), is fabulous, sometimes my muse takes on a life of its own and commands the stage. A Representational painting style moves my Realistic paintings a few steps in the direction of Impressionism. This allows me to paint my subject in my own way using the style and colours I like. My recent painting of the Hydrangea flowers in my garden, called: ‘Spring Fling’ (shown above), is a great example of this. It’s fun and exciting to have all these choices! My subject is recognizable, but my painting enjoys the freedom of creative expression.

Good health to all and remember to be kind, be creative, and to live your best life!